Maurice Nicholson Obituary

MAURICE W. NICHOLSON, M.D. With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Maurice W. Nicholson of Honolulu, Hawai'i, who left us peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2025, with his beloved Kathryn nearby, surrounded by love. A respected member of the Honolulu community for over six decades, Dr. Nicholson was known for his professional excellence as a pioneering neurosurgeon and for the deep kindness, quiet wisdom, and steady presence he brought to all those who knew him. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched as a physician, a dear husband, a friend, a mentor, and a family man. Born August 11, 1937 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to Leslie and Mona Nicolson, Mau as he was affectionately known excelled both academically and athletically. An accomplished hockey player and saxophonist in his youth, he was also a proud member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment. Mau belonged to Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, commonly known as Deke. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Medicine in 1960, followed by neurosurgical training at the Henry Ford Medical Center. Dr. Nicholson moved to Honolulu in the 1960s to practice neurosurgery alongside Dr. Ralph B. Cloward, Hawai'i's first neurosurgeon. Over a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years, Mau cared for patients across the Islands, often piloting his own small plane to Neighbor Islands to ensure they received the care they needed. During Dr. Nicholson's years as active staff at Queen's Medical Center, he was Chief of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery on numerous occasions and a member of the Medical Advisory Committee. In 1998, he opened the Gamma Knife Center of the Pacific, a major leap forward for brain tumor treatment in Hawai'i an endeavor he undertook at significant personal risk because he saw the profound need within the community. Beyond medicine, Mau embraced all that Hawai'i had to offer. He was an avid outdoorsman, competing in multiple Honolulu Marathons and Tinman triathlons. A longstanding member of the Oahu Country Club, where he proudly earned a spot in the prestigious Hole-in-One Club. Mau spent countless joyful hours with his Grand Cru Golf Group. Mau was also active in the Maunalua Bay Tennis Club, Beretania Tennis Club, the Elks Lodge Waikiki, and the Waikiki Yacht Club. One of his many other hobbies included playing Cribbage. An enthusiastic supporter of Hawai'i's culinary and hospitality communities, Dr. Nicholson served as a local and national officer for the Chaine des Rotisseurs, helping to raise scholarships and supporting the careers for young Chefs and Sommeliers. He was also a proud member of the Boys Bunch of Hawai'i, supporting organizations such as Make-A-Wish Hawai'i and the Boys and Girls Club of Hawai'i. Upon retiring, Mau and his beloved wife Kathryn traveled the world visiting all seven continents and crossing every ocean. Together, they delighted in exploring new cultures, tasting new cuisines, visiting museums, golfing famed courses, and touring the great wine regions of the world. Mau was particularly fond of Arctic and Antarctic adventures, and he dreamed of returning. Though a man of few words, Mau possessed a quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a deeply loyal spirit. Friends will fondly remember his gentle smile, thoughtful opinions, and for the lucky few his signature "Mautini," a martini made Mau's way and shared with generosity. Dr. Nicholson is survived by his devoted wife, Kathryn; his brother, Douglas, and sister-in-law, Sandy; his children, Lani, Michelle, Eric, David, Sean, Jane ("Lil Bit"), and Madalyn; multiple nieces and nephews; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew him. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mau's memory to the Blood Bank of Hawai'i or Meals on Wheels Hawai'i two organizations close to his heart. Dr. Maurice Nicholson made a difference in medicine, his community, and the lives of all who were fortunate enough to call him a colleague, mentor, or friend. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Aloha 'Oe Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary